And he could be in uniform for Sunday's big game: The Falcons face the Carolina Panthers with the NFC South title and a trip to the playoffs on the line.

Starting running back Stephen Jackson injured his quad against the New Orleans Saints last week and his status for this week's game is uncertain. The Falcons have two more running backs — Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman — on the roster, so it appears Smith would be the third option if Jackson sits Sunday.

Smith went undrafted earlier this year but signed with the Falcons as a free agent. He had one rush for two yards in three preseason games before he was cut, but he was re-signed by the team and spent the first 16 weeks of the season on the practice squad.

Smith rushed for 914 yards and 12 touchdowns in his junior season before leaving Syracuse with one year of eligibility remaining (Smith spent four years at Syracuse — he had a red-shirt season after arriving at SU — and earned his degree in May).

To make room for Smith, the Falcons released linebacker James Anderson.